Berrettini defeats Comesana and advances to the round of 16 at Roland Garros.

Matteo Berrettini staged a true epic battle at the Roland Garros, where he saved two match points and triumphed in a super tie-break that will remain in the memories of tennis fans. The Italian, known for his grit and resilience, withstood the relentless Francisco Comesana and secured a place in the round of 16 of the Parisian Grand Slam, in a duel lasting five hours and thirteen minutes that tested all his physical and mental limits.

From the beginning, the match promised intense emotions. In the first set, both players held their serves until 5-5, with Comesana displaying an incredible ability to recover, saving four break points and avoiding the worst. Berrettini, however, kept his composure and won the tie-break 7-3, showcasing his experience in crucial moments.

The battle intensified in the second set, where the Italian led twice with a break advantage but was surprised by decisive counter-breaks that highlighted some fatigue, particularly in his forehand, which faltered at key moments. Comesana took advantage to level the score, leaving everything open for the following sets.

The third set followed the pattern of the first, but this time Comesana emerged victorious, winning the tie-break 7-4, putting pressure on Berrettini. However, the Roman did not give up and, despite the difficulties, managed to break the Argentine’s serve at a crucial moment in the fourth set, closing it in his favor at 6-4 and forcing a decisive set.

The tension reached its peak during the super tie-break, where the balance was absolute. Between two medical time-out requests from Comesana due to unspecified physical discomfort, both players engaged in a titanic battle. Berrettini, however, demonstrated his winning mentality by saving two match points and, with a final score of 15-13, secured his place in the round of 16 of a Grand Slam tournament for the eleventh time in his career, the second time in Paris.

In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka left no chances for Daria Kasatkina, winning 6-0, 7-5 and preparing to face Naomi Osaka, who defeated Iva Jovic 7-6(5), 6-7, 6-4. The surprise in the women’s bracket came with the elimination of Greek player Maria Sakkari, who was ousted by Polish player Maja Chwalinska, who prevailed 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. Amanda Anisimova also exited the competition after being surprised by French player Diane Parry, losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(3).

This Roland Garros is proving to be a true test of endurance and character for the players, with memorable matches and surprises that promise to keep fans glued to their screens in the upcoming rounds. Berrettini, with his heroic victory, is now one of the figures to watch closely in the battle for the title in Paris.

This article first appeared in Apito Final.